What is the fundamental difference between act utilitarianism and ethical relativism?
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The fundamental difference between act utilitarianism and ethical relativism lies in their approach to determining what is morally right or wrong.
Act utilitarianism is a consequentialist ethical theory that focuses on maximizing overall happiness or utility. According to act utilitarianism, an action is considered morally right if it produces the greatest amount of overall happiness for the greatest number of people. In other words, the morality of an action depends on its consequences and its ability to promote the most overall utility.
On the other hand, ethical relativism is a non-consequentialist ethical theory that emphasizes the subjectivity of moral values. According to ethical relativism, moral values and principles are not objective and universal, but rather vary from culture to culture or individual to individual. In this view, there is no universally applicable standard of morality, and what is considered morally right or wrong is determined by the beliefs, norms, and customs of a particular culture or individual perspective.
To understand the difference between act utilitarianism and ethical relativism, one must consider their different approaches to moral decision-making. Act utilitarianism focuses on the consequences of actions, aiming to maximize overall happiness. It suggests that the morality of an action can be determined by evaluating the outcomes it produces. Ethical relativism, on the other hand, emphasizes the cultural or individual context in which moral values are formed. It suggests that morals are subjective and can vary from one culture or individual to another.
To delve deeper into these concepts, one can study the works of philosophers like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill for act utilitarianism, and philosophers like Ruth Benedict and James Rachels for ethical relativism. Additionally, reading academic papers, books, or taking courses in ethics and moral philosophy can provide a more comprehensive understanding of these theories.